Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Minimum Tank
15 Gallons
Adult Size
1.75 inches
Temperature
72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
8+ fish
About Serpae Tetra
The serpae tetra is a fiery-red freshwater fish from the Amazon basin, found in the slow-moving backwaters and floodplain pools of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Its deep red-orange body is accented by a prominent black comma-shaped spot just behind the gill cover and dark edging on its fins. Serpae tetras are active, bold fish with a reputation for being more nippy than many other tetra species, especially when kept in too-small groups. In adequate numbers, they form a stunning school of constant red motion. Their hardiness and vivid coloring have made them a staple in the hobby for decades, though their semi-aggressive nature requires thoughtful tankmate selection.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 15-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep serpae tetras in groups of at least eight or more to contain their nippy behavior within the school rather than directing it at other species. Avoid housing them with slow-moving, long-finned fish like bettas, angelfish, or fancy guppies. They prefer slightly soft, acidic water at 72-79°F and adapt well to a range of conditions. Provide a mix of open swimming space and planted areas. Feed a staple of quality flakes supplemented with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp to maintain their deep red coloring. Their nippy tendencies decrease significantly in larger groups with ample space.
Quick Facts
57L
Min Tank (15gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.75")
5yr
Lifespan
8+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Serpae Tetra
Related Species You Might Like
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
Tank Mates for Serpae Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
easy · 20+ gal
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
easy · 20+ gal
Emerald Eye Rasbora
Brevibora dorsiocellata
easy · 15+ gal
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Serpae Tetra need?
A Serpae Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 15 gallons (57 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 8.
What water parameters does a Serpae Tetra need?
Serpae Tetra thrive in water between 72-79°F (22-26°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
Are Serpae Tetra easy to care for?
Serpae Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Serpae Tetra get and what do they eat?
Serpae Tetra reach about 1.75 inches and are omnivores. Keep serpae tetras in groups of at least eight or more to contain their nippy behavior within the school rather than directing it at other species. Avoid housing them with slow-moving, long-finned fish like bettas, angelfish, or fancy guppies. They prefer slightly soft, acidic water at 72-79°F and adapt well to a range of conditions. Provide a mix of open swimming space and planted areas. Feed a staple of quality flakes supplemented with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp to maintain their deep red coloring. Their nippy tendencies decrease significantly in larger groups with ample space.